Concrete

PRAKASH J RAJA is the proprietor of King's Trade Links. He has been a dealer since 1988.

Published

15 years ago

July 31, 2011

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"We started off as an entity catering to BMC contractors and gradually shifted focus towards loose cement in bulk catering to commercial RMC units and big infrastructural entities," said Raja. When asked about the largest selling cement, Raja replied that Holcim Group as a combined entity are the frontrunners. Their supply chain logistics in loose is terrific and they have a resounding response from the consumers in terms of high quality of concrete they can generate. When asked about the largest selling grade of cement, Raja replied, "RMC plants have 100 per cent demand for OPC as it gives them freedom to create different qualities of mixed designed concrete by using fly ash in tandem. Higher grades and blended cement are used in multi-floored buildings and specialised work contracts, there is steady demand in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities for the same". About volatility in prices, Raja said, "volatility is a two way circus. In the downward spiraling market, the consumers fragment their orders in small quantities as they anticipate a further lowering of prices, whereas during the up trending market, the supply side is brimmed with orders and hence there is a supply crunch. Consequently, it affects our cycle". The company caters to more than 25 RMC plants in Mumbai region. "Besides this we also cater to several builders and works contractors. We do not stock cement as we are into non-trade sales promotion and act as del credere for the promotions we make," said Raja. To improve sales, Raja suggested that sales can be improved by providing timely supplies and matching competent rates backed by steady quality standards. When asked about the ways to improve better packaging, Raja replied, "the loss in pilferage has now become minimal in bags owing to better supervision and transparency in weighing procedure. Bulkers with vacuumed seals provide a good measure against any such pilferage or even natural loss during transit". To speedup, delays at check post, Raja suggested, a pre-paid smart card device, can be very useful, which will help the procedure of lining up and waiting would reduce drastically.

Concrete

Cement Firms to Invest Rs. 130 bn in Green Energy by FY28

Cement companies plan to expand clean energy capacity to 6 GW by FY28

Published

2 days ago

September 17, 2026

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India’s major cement companies are set to raise their clean energy capacity to 6 GW by March 2028 from around 4 GW at the end of March 2026, according to ratings agency ICRA. The planned expansion is expected to involve investments of Rs. 130 bn over the next two years.

The additional capacity could generate annual savings of Rs. 62 bn to Rs. 67 bn, resulting in an estimated payback period of 1.8 to 2.2 years. Cement is an emission-intensive industry, and leading producers have established net-zero roadmaps covering the next 15 to 20 years.

The calcination process accounts for 57 to 60 per cent of the sector’s total emissions, while fuel combustion contributes 27 to 30 per cent and electricity consumption accounts for 10 to 13 per cent. ICRA said the figures highlighted the need for a broad decarbonisation strategy involving green power, blended cement, alternative fuels and improvements in clinker efficiency.

Green energy is considered one of the most commercially attractive decarbonisation options because it can reduce emissions while lowering operating costs. Every 5 per cent increase in green power replacement can reduce power and fuel costs by Rs. 15 to Rs. 16 per tonne. A 25 per cent replacement level could therefore save Rs. 75 to Rs. 80 per tonne and expand operating margins by 140 to 160 basis points.

Cement producers are also assessing carbon capture, utilisation and storage, although high implementation costs, energy requirements and limited transport and storage infrastructure are expected to slow commercial adoption. The government has proposed Rs. 200 bn over five years to support deployment across key sectors. Meanwhile, companies are targeting thermal substitution rates of 10 to 15 per cent over the next three to five years, compared with the current industry level of around 6 per cent.

Concrete

Centre Defers Clearance for Limestone Mine Near Bustard Habitat

Panel seeks revised mining plan and safeguards for pipelines and wildlife

Published

3 days ago

September 16, 2026

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The Centre has deferred environmental clearance for a proposed limestone mine near a Great Indian Bustard habitat in Ramgarh, Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district. The critically endangered species has an estimated wild population of about 130 in India.

Concrete

Telangana to Supply Subsidised Cement for Indiramma Houses

Poor families allotted Indiramma houses to receive cement at Rs. 230 per bag

Published

3 days ago

September 16, 2026

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The Telangana government will supply cement at a subsidised price of Rs. 230 per 50-kg bag to poor and low-income families allotted Indiramma houses. The prevailing market price is between Rs. 310 and Rs. 320 per bag, the Assembly was informed on Thursday.